Fix iPhone 17 Scratches With Apple’s Official Solution
▼ Summary
– Apple claims iPhone 17 display model “scratches” are actually material transfer from worn MagSafe stands and can be cleaned off.
– The issue has sparked controversy, with social media photos showing scratches and chipped metal on iPhone 17 Pro demo units, especially the deep blue model.
– Repair experts at iFixit attribute the problem to a weak anodization coating on the aluminum shell of iPhone 17 Pro models, particularly on the corners.
– Independent testing by JerryRigEverything showed the iPhone 17 Pro’s deep blue model resists scratches from keys, but the corners of the camera bay are susceptible to chipping.
– Apple states the anodization layer is extremely hard and exceeds industry standards, but acknowledges it can wear over time, suggesting users consider a protective case.
Apple has responded to concerns regarding visible marks on iPhone 17 demo units in its retail stores, attributing the issue not to a manufacturing flaw but to the store fixtures themselves. The company clarified that what appear to be scratches are actually residue transferred from older MagSafe display stands. According to Apple, these marks are superficial and can be completely wiped away, with plans underway to update the in-store hardware to prevent a recurrence.
This official explanation has been met with some skepticism, particularly from observers of the iPhone 17 Pro models. Social media platforms are flooded with images showing what look like significant scratches and even small chips on the backs of display units, especially on the deep blue color variant. The situation, dubbed “scratchgate” online, has sparked a wider debate about the device’s overall resilience.
Independent repair specialists at iFixit have investigated the matter, confirming that the issue is specific to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. These models utilize an aluminum shell that undergoes an anodization process intended to bolster its durability. However, iFixit’s analysis suggests this protective coating is surprisingly vulnerable at the corners, including the area surrounding the camera module, making it prone to chipping over extended use. In comparison, the standard iPhone 17 models feature a more resilient ceramic shell.
Adding another layer to the discussion, a durability test from the popular YouTube channel JerryRigEverything presented somewhat conflicting results. The test showed that the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro fared well against attempts to scratch its surface with a key; any marks created on the textured glass back were easily wiped clean, which supports Apple’s claim about the marks in stores. Yet, the same test demonstrated that the key could indeed cause chipping to the anodized aluminum precisely at the corners of the camera bay, aligning with iFixit’s findings.
Addressing the potential for chipping, Apple maintains that the anodization on the iPhone 17 Pro casing is “extremely hard” and surpasses standard industry benchmarks for microhardness. The company also noted that, like any material, it remains subject to normal wear and tear through daily use. For owners concerned about preserving the pristine look of their device, using a protective case is a recommended precaution.
(Source: PC Mag)
